If you’re searching for a truly delightful holiday treat that’s as charming to look at as it is to eat, these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites (Easy Festive Holiday Treats) are an absolute must-make. Imagine tender, buttery cookies that simply melt in your mouth, with the perfect sprinkle of festive colors adding a joyful crunch in every single bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or packing a plate for your holiday party, these little bites of sweetness capture all the magic of the season in a simple, easy recipe you’ll love making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses basic pantry staples combined with vibrant holiday sprinkles to achieve a classic balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient is picked to create a melt-in-your-mouth softness with just the right touch of sweetness and a festive look that sings Christmas cheer.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (230g): Softened butter brings rich creaminess and forms the base of that tender texture you’ll adore.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g): Adds sweetness and helps create that delightful light crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, elevating the flavor beyond ordinary sugar cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g): The foundation for structure, making these bites perfectly soft but not crumbly.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances buttery richness for full flavor.
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white): Adds festive color and a pleasant crunch, turning these cookies into celebration stars.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites (Easy Festive Holiday Treats)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking, which helps these cookie bites come out flawless every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture, as well as giving the cookies a delicate crumb. Stir in the vanilla extract for that cozy, inviting scent and flavor.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add your flour and salt into the buttery mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. If it feels a bit dry, knead it lightly with your hands until smooth and pliable, making it easier to shape the cookie bites.
Step 4: Add the Holiday Sprinkles
Carefully fold in your festive sprinkles so they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough. This step not only adds pops of color but also a subtle crunchy texture that brightens every bite.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookie Bites
Roll the dough into small balls about the size of a marble, roughly 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in diameter. If you’re after uniform shapes, roll the dough into a log and slice it into cubes instead—both methods work beautifully.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your cookie balls or cubes evenly spaced on the baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for just 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye out for lightly golden edges. This indicates a perfectly tender cookie with a bit of crunch on the outside that will leave you craving more.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool directly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of holiday magic, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles on top. It’s a simple step that makes these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites (Easy Festive Holiday Treats) truly sparkle on your dessert table.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites (Easy Festive Holiday Treats)
Garnishes
While the sprinkles baked inside are festive enough, topping your cookie bites with colorful white chocolate drizzle and extra sprinkles adds both visual appeal and a sweet contrast. For a touch of elegance, you might add a light dusting of powdered sugar for that snowy effect, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookie bites pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or rich eggnog. Their buttery goodness balances the warmth and spices of your favorite holiday drinks, making each bite feel like a comforting winter hug.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these festive cookie bites in small decorative bowls, on tiered dessert stands, or individually wrapped with ribbons for party favors. You can also arrange them creatively around a holiday centerpiece, letting their vivid colors brighten your celebration table and delight guests instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, retaining their tender texture and vibrant sprinkle crunch.
Freezing
If you want to make these treats ahead of time, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked flavor and texture.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies after storage or freezing, warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. This brings back that buttery softness and lets the sprinkles sparkle anew, making them taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter allows for better control over the cookie’s flavor balance.
What if I don’t have holiday sprinkles?
No worries! You can substitute with any colorful sprinkles you have on hand or even finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for a different texture and taste.
How do I make sure the cookie bites stay soft?
The key is not to overbake them. Remove the cookies when the edges are just turning golden; they will continue to set as they cool, keeping them tender inside.
Can I add flavors, like almond or peppermint, to this recipe?
Absolutely! Try swapping some vanilla extract for almond extract or adding a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive twist—just be careful not to overpower the classic buttery flavor.
Is it better to roll the dough into balls or slice from a log?
Both work great! Rolling into balls is quick and charmingly rustic, while rolling into a log and slicing gives you uniform shapes for a polished presentation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites (Easy Festive Holiday Treats) that makes holiday baking feel joyful and uncomplicated. They come together quickly, look festive, and taste like a buttery dream, perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the season. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a treasured part of your holiday tradition!
PrintChristmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites (Easy Festive Holiday Treats)
These Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are perfect festive treats featuring a buttery, tender texture and a delightful crunch from holiday sprinkles. Easy to make and ideal for holiday parties, they bring a classic sweet flavor with a sprinkle of festive cheer in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 60–70 cookie bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, knead it gently with your hands until smooth and pliable.
- Add Sprinkles: Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding festive color and texture.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about the size of a marble (1/2 inch or 1.25 cm in diameter). Alternatively, you can roll the dough into a log and slice it into cubes for consistent shapes.
- Bake: Arrange the cookie balls or cubes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but tender inside.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For extra holiday flair, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional holiday sprinkles.
Notes
- For uniform cookie shapes, rolling the dough into a log and slicing is recommended.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best cookie texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optional: Use white chocolate drizzle and extra sprinkles for garnish after cookies have cooled.